I have an 02 Accord as well as an 04 RX. Well found out this specific Honda model is noted to have auto trans problems. Major bummer because mine only has 76 K on it. The trannies are going out anywhere from 45 K to just over a 100K. What makes me a bit concerned is out of all the Honda Accords made, the 2002 (last year for this generation model) it has auto tranny problems like none other. Its cosing folks from 3 to 4 K to get it replaced at a dealership. I was hoping to get 200 K plus out this car but now I will need to save up money to get the tranny fixed when it goes. Getting a used one is one way to go but I don't want anymore car payments until the RX is paid off which has a couple years to go on the loan. I think the RX is my last new car too because its taken a hit in value although the RX only has 14,000 on it. Anywho back to the Honda. I had the dealer change the oil a week ago and they said its due for the antifreeze change. The 75K check up, torque frame bolts, lube door hinges and just check on other systems plus change the antifreeze would cost $204.00. I was in shock and told the dealer no. I bought the Honda antifreeze 50/50 mix because you can't use Prestone unless its free of a certain chemical noted to clog radiators and cause the water pump sealing gasket to go. Cost for 2 gallons of antifreeze. $37.

Its cold here in Colorado and so I am waiting for a warmer day to do the antifreeze change. The car has been great otherwise. I think the RX uses this special antifreeze too.

 

buy a used transmission and replace it yourself.

 

Well I could but I need a good shop area with a lift. My home garage just doesn't serve well here and its cold in Denver! Taking out a front wheel drive tranny is no easy task and even with the shop service manual if I could get one would be a task to do. How would I but a used tranny? The local junk yard will not warrant their used junk. I did that once with a used 79 Pontiac tranny from the junk yard. We had it cleaned but after a few days it went out. So you just don't know what you are getting from a junk yard. Very risky I think. Just like I learned doing my own clutch on a Toy Truck. Use the best stuff and use the dealer parts otherwise if you use any discount parts house you are taking a chance. I used the Toy dealer parts and it worked fine including replacing the throw out bearing. That takes a great deal of time to replace a tranny like this and I am not sure I can do it to start with laying on the cold cement floor in a garage not heated.
I think I will get the tranny fluid changed and hope that keeps the thing going without out a tow. I had my RX towed to the dealer once. It was awful to see your nice car towed away, The thing had the battery replaced and new plugs. So I have an 03 with 14 K on it and on its third battery (Honda batterr lasted one year) third set of plugs, and a new stronger starter.

 

Swap in a manual...

Sorry for no real help, that's a bummer about the tranny. I hope yours lasts longer than the rest!

 

honda dealers are notorious for (attempting) to rip you off...at least in my experience. we had a '93 accord for a long time, GREAT car, but the dealer was super greedy, especially when it goes off warranty. maybe you'll get lucky w/ your tranny

 

Trade it in while it's still running well
Get another beater that you've done your research on. No car is perfect.


Oh, and is your Accord faster than your RX8 straightline? .

 

I have an easy solution. Im assuming you own your honda.

Sell it.

 

Bada BING!